The End of Nature

Last updated
The End of Nature
The End of Nature-cover.jpg
First edition
Author Bill McKibben
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Subject Global warming
Publisher Random House
Publication date
1989
Media typePrint
Pages230
ISBN 0-394-57601-2

The End of Nature is a book written by Bill McKibben, published by Random House in 1989. [1] It has been called the first book on global warming written for a general audience. [2] McKibben had thought that simply stating the problem would provoke people to action. [2]

Premise

He describes nature as a force previously independent of human beings but now directly affected by the actions of people. [1]

"If the waves crash up against the beach, eroding dunes and destroying homes, it is not the awesome power of Mother Nature. It is the awesome power of Mother Nature as altered by the awesome power of man, who has overpowered in a century the processes that have been slowly evolving and changing of their own accord since the earth was born." [3]

He offers two paths forward: "The Defiant Reflex" or a "more humble" way of living. [4]

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References

  1. 1 2 Regnier, Eva (April 13, 1990). "McKibben'sd End of Nature illustrates problems of artificial nature". The Tech . Vol. 110, no. 19. Massachusetts Institute of Technology . Retrieved May 18, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Skirble, Roseanne (April 19, 2010). "Environmental Writer Turns Words into Action". VOA News . Voice of America. Archived from the original on May 16, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  3. McKibben, p. 51
  4. Peringer, Christine (May 1990). "Review: The End of Nature". Peace and Environment News. Ottawa Peace and Environment Resource Centre. Archived from the original on May 4, 2010. Retrieved May 20, 2010.